About Us
A Catalyst for:
Promoting a healthy climate for our community and future generations
Identifying and sharing solutions through Awareness, Advocacy, and Collaboration
Promoting a healthy climate for our community and future generations
Identifying and sharing solutions through Awareness, Advocacy, and Collaboration
THE DOUGLAS COUNTY GLOBAL WARMING COALITION
A HISTORY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In January, 2003, a small group of activists invited the public to a showing of the award winning British documentary The Day The Oceans Boiled. This movie presented scientific evidence that the potential increase in global warming was far greater than previously estimated. Over 140 people packed the Douglas County Library to view the film and its dramatic message served as the inspiration for the formation of the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition.
Formally established in May, 2003, the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition has been a powerful voice in our community educating the public on global warming, advocating for legislation to address the climate crisis and serving as a catalyst for positive solutions to global warming.
Thanks to a dedicated and committed board as well as numerous volunteers, the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition has brought internationally recognized experts to Douglas County to present the most up to date information on global warming. These have included:
The Douglas County Global Warming Coalition has also played a strong role advocating for policies that impact climate change.
On The National Level
On The State Level
We lobbied and/or testified for:
On The Local Level
Coalition Projects
Formed Douglas County Smart Energy, a group consisting of citizen advocates and representatives from organizations dedicated to increasing energy efficiency and renewables throughout Douglas County. It included the major utilities, non-profits, Energy Trust of Oregon and local businesses. Successful efforts included assisting in obtaining funding for over 100KW of solar arrays for government and non-profit entities, a community campaign promoting the purchase of energy efficient ductless heat pumps and working with cities to install electric vehicle charging stations.
The Coalition is part of a network of organizations in Oregon dedicated to addressing the climate crisis. The Oregon Environmental Council, a non-profit based in Portland, is our fiscal sponsor.
The Douglas County Global Warming Coalition continues to be the voice in our community dedicated to creating a climate healthy world for our children and future generations.
A HISTORY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In January, 2003, a small group of activists invited the public to a showing of the award winning British documentary The Day The Oceans Boiled. This movie presented scientific evidence that the potential increase in global warming was far greater than previously estimated. Over 140 people packed the Douglas County Library to view the film and its dramatic message served as the inspiration for the formation of the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition.
Formally established in May, 2003, the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition has been a powerful voice in our community educating the public on global warming, advocating for legislation to address the climate crisis and serving as a catalyst for positive solutions to global warming.
Thanks to a dedicated and committed board as well as numerous volunteers, the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition has brought internationally recognized experts to Douglas County to present the most up to date information on global warming. These have included:
- Internationally acclaimed scientist Dr. Jane Lubchenco, formerly the Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
- Dr. Phillip Mote, Contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
- Former National Director and Oregon chapter Director of the Physicians for Social Responsibility, Dr. Catherine Thomasson.
- Award winning photojournalist Gary Braasch, who documented the impacts of global warming through pictures.
- Dr. Richard Waring, Professor Emeritus of Oregon State University and expert on the impact of climate change on Pacific Northwest Forests.
- Former Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury and one of the first trainees of Al Gore, to present the science of global warming.
- Dr. Mary Wood, University of Oregon law professor, whose public trust doctrine is the basis of a climate change lawsuit brought against the Federal government by Our Children’s Trust. Plaintiffs include Douglas County residents Alex Loznak and Jacob Lebel.
- Four presentations covering the impacts of sea level rise, ocean acidification and warming streams and rivers. Featured were nationally recognized experts Dr. Gordon Grant, Professor George Waldbusser, Dr. David Hales, Dr. Gordon Reeves, Dr. Kristine Dahl and Dr. Scott Bridgham.
The Douglas County Global Warming Coalition has also played a strong role advocating for policies that impact climate change.
On The National Level
- Opposed the Trump Administration’s attack on environmental regulations including methane release, oil and gas drilling on Federal lands and lowering miles per gallon standards for automobiles.
- Fought to retain EPA’s power to regulate greenhouse gasses.
- Lobbied for passage of a National Cap and Trade bill.
- Contacted representatives to support alternative transportation as part of a comprehensive transportation package.
- Supported plaintiffs in Our Children’s Trust lawsuit to require meaningful action from the Federal government on climate change. This included hosting a presentation by two local plaintiffs, Alex Loznak and Jacob Lebel.
On The State Level
We lobbied and/or testified for:
- A Statewide Cap and Trade Bill to reduce Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the best science. This work with climate activists across the State resulted in a sweeping Executive Order by the Governor to dramatically reduce climate pollution in Oregon. We followed up with actions to ensure the Executive Order was fully implemented.
- Expanded subsidies for renewables and mass transit.
- Passage of Oregon’s Landmark Renewable Portfolio Standard.
- Setting State clean fuel standards.
- Prohibiting the export of coal from Oregon ports.
- Stopping the proposed construction of the Jordan Cove LNG pipeline.
On The Local Level
- Joined with organizations across the State to form a Clean and Just Transportation Network advocating and promoting the use of electric vehicles. Founded a local group consisting of utilities, non-profits, businesses and citizen advocates working on these goals in Douglas County.
- Distributed biochar which captures carbon in the soil to local school and community gardens.
- Organized local rallies in conjunction with nation-wide efforts to draw attention to the climate crisis.
- Held two community meetings to identify ways Douglas County can adapt to climate change over the next twenty years.
- Served on a Citizen Advisory Committee working on an update of the City of Roseburg’s Transportation Systems Plan. In this capacity, we advocated for an increased commitment to non-automobile modes of travel including biking, walking and transit.
- Successfully spearheaded the establishment of a Roseburg sustainability policy for City operations.
- Worked with the City of Roseburg to incorporate a bicycle-pedestrian plan as part of their overall transportation strategy.
- Partnered with the City of Roseburg to host a Solar Now University symposium. This resulted in a City commitment to place solar panels on their Public Safety Building.
- Joined with Umpqua Transit to ensure ongoing funding from Cities and the County for our transit system.
- Partnered with Bike-Walk Roseburg to work with the City for the formal designation of the town as a bike-friendly community. Invited experts from across the State met with the City and community groups to share ideas on how to develop and promote a multi-modal community.
Coalition Projects
Formed Douglas County Smart Energy, a group consisting of citizen advocates and representatives from organizations dedicated to increasing energy efficiency and renewables throughout Douglas County. It included the major utilities, non-profits, Energy Trust of Oregon and local businesses. Successful efforts included assisting in obtaining funding for over 100KW of solar arrays for government and non-profit entities, a community campaign promoting the purchase of energy efficient ductless heat pumps and working with cities to install electric vehicle charging stations.
- Sponsored the Annual Green and Solar Building Tour. This event, which began in 2004, takes the public on tours of homes and businesses throughout the County, highlighting innovative green features and the use of renewables.
- Helped organize the annual Earth Day and Energy Fair which drew 3,000 people each year. Our booth presented climate change information and promoted alternative transportation fuels through a display of the most current electric vehicles.
- Co-sponsored with the Oregon State University Extension Service a Climate Masters Program. This series of ten workshops presented ways individuals can lower their carbon footprint and commit to bringing this information to the community.
- Partnered with the United Community Action Network to promote breast cancer and energy efficiency awareness through the sale and display of pink compact fluorescent lights.
- Organized over 1,000 students in Douglas County who expressed their concerns about climate change through artwork on cardboard tiles. These tiles were decoratively laid out on the Courthouse lawn in the shape of a steelhead.
- As part of a nation-wide effort, co-sponsored with UCC ‘Focus The Nation.’ This day long symposium featured a broad range of speakers highlighting the implications of global warming.
- Formed a group of citizen advocates to educate the public on the impacts of sea level rise, ocean acidification and warming streams and rivers. Experts from across the State presented this information in a series of forums.
- Submitted numerous guest columns to the News-Review on a variety of timely topics regarding climate change.
The Coalition is part of a network of organizations in Oregon dedicated to addressing the climate crisis. The Oregon Environmental Council, a non-profit based in Portland, is our fiscal sponsor.
The Douglas County Global Warming Coalition continues to be the voice in our community dedicated to creating a climate healthy world for our children and future generations.
Board Members
Stuart Liebowitz is a founding board member of the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition. He has been active in environmental issues since the 1970's and has worked on climate change for the last 25 years. Now retired, he worked for UCAN and Neighborworks Umpqua writing grants to develop affordable housing for low income residents. As a result of this experience, he understands the importance of social justice as a critical component of fighting climate change. His primary interest in the Coalition is passing legislation that will help meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
Diana Bailey worked as an occupational therapist for almost 40 years and has always loved being outdoors. She feels a deep connection with the earth and is saddened to see the changes we have brought to the planet. She is very interested in educating people about climate change and the actions we can all take to reduce our environmental impact. She joined the board in 2020.
Polly Stirling Watching the BBC production, “The Day the Oceans Boiled” inspired me to make global warming the focus of my environmental activism. I helped organize a small group of fellow activists to found a global warming action group that became Douglas County Global Warming Coalition.After college I became a teacher, feeling this could be my contribution to making the world a better place. I found my students taught me as much as I taught them. My devotion to working with children united with my love for the environment to give me passion to take action to leave a thriving planet to today’s children and all those who follow. The commitment of the world’s young people gives me hope.
Scott McKain
Melanie MacKinnon
Stuart Liebowitz is a founding board member of the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition. He has been active in environmental issues since the 1970's and has worked on climate change for the last 25 years. Now retired, he worked for UCAN and Neighborworks Umpqua writing grants to develop affordable housing for low income residents. As a result of this experience, he understands the importance of social justice as a critical component of fighting climate change. His primary interest in the Coalition is passing legislation that will help meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
Diana Bailey worked as an occupational therapist for almost 40 years and has always loved being outdoors. She feels a deep connection with the earth and is saddened to see the changes we have brought to the planet. She is very interested in educating people about climate change and the actions we can all take to reduce our environmental impact. She joined the board in 2020.
Polly Stirling Watching the BBC production, “The Day the Oceans Boiled” inspired me to make global warming the focus of my environmental activism. I helped organize a small group of fellow activists to found a global warming action group that became Douglas County Global Warming Coalition.After college I became a teacher, feeling this could be my contribution to making the world a better place. I found my students taught me as much as I taught them. My devotion to working with children united with my love for the environment to give me passion to take action to leave a thriving planet to today’s children and all those who follow. The commitment of the world’s young people gives me hope.
Scott McKain
Melanie MacKinnon
